"When the money came, it was at night while I was sleeping. I checked my phone at 6am and saw the message. I became very happy and thought to myself that I would take some time to figure out the best way to use the money. The first thing that came to my mind was my child's school fees. I had some arrears, and I wanted to clear them so that my child could study peacefully without any disturbance. I felt relieved knowing that with this money, I could finally bring some peace to my home and focus on my child’s education without worrying about fees." (Country: Kenya)

"I plan to use the money from selling my butternuts to pay my children's school fees, as they are about to join secondary school. If the crop does well, I will also save some of the earnings to open a business shop, which will help provide a steady income for my family. Additionally, I want to buy a water tank to ensure we have a reliable water source for both our farm and household needs. I hope that by doing this, I can create more opportunities for my family’s future. This plan will not only help my children get an education but also improve our living conditions. Overall, I am working hard to make sure we have a stable and secure life in the coming years." (Country: Kenya)

"My plan is to become a successful large-scale farmer, growing maize, tomatoes, and vegetables on a bigger scale. I want to use the profits from my shop to invest in farming, so I can afford the seeds, equipment, and irrigation needed for a larger operation. Expanding my farm will help me earn more income and create a stable source of food and money for my family. I hope this will also allow me to provide a good education for my children and improve our quality of life. With time, I aim to grow my farm to be self-sustaining and profitable. Achieving this goal would mean more stability and security for us all in the coming years." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming years, I aim to focus on farming, using crop rotation to keep the soil healthy and productive. After each harvest, I plan to replant carefully, ensuring steady yields that will support my family. My goal is to save part of the income from every season, so I can consistently afford my children’s school fees without worry. Farming has always been my foundation, and I want it to continue as a stable source of both food and income. With this approach, I feel hopeful about securing a good future for my family. Providing for my children’s education is my priority, and I believe that through careful planning, I’ll be able to achieve it." (Country: Kenya)

"The money arrived while I was sleeping, so I didn’t even realize it had come. Early in the morning, my son took my phone, checked it, and excitedly told me, "Mum, the GiveDirectly money has arrived!" Hearing those words filled me with relief and happiness. My son had been sent home from school because we couldn’t pay his fees, and he had already missed a full week of classes. I felt so much stress, not knowing how I could send him back. The very first thought that came to my mind was to use the money for his school fees so we could have peace at home and he could continue with his education." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming year and beyond, I want to accomplish the goal of starting a grocery store in my village. We currently have no nearby grocery, and I see this as a great opportunity for an income-generating activity that will benefit both my family and the community. Once I finish fixing the windows in my house, I plan to use the transfers I receive to fund this venture. I estimate that it will require about $40 in starting capital, and I am excited about the possibilities it will open up for us. This grocery store will provide a steady source of income and fill a crucial need in our area." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming year and beyond, I want to accomplish the renovation of my house by building pillars to make it more resilient against the fierce winds that we sometimes experience in our area. This is important for the safety and security of my family, as I want to ensure that we are protected from the unpredictable weather. To achieve this, I have been diligently saving $20 every month from my transfers, and I am determined to continue this effort until I can afford to complete the renovation. This improvement will give us peace of mind and a stronger, safer home." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming year and beyond, my biggest goal is to build a good, secure house because the one I currently have is in poor condition and on the verge of collapsing. It has been a constant worry, and I know my family deserves better. To make this dream a reality, I have committed to saving $10 monthly from my transfers. It may take time, but I am determined to steadily build towards a safer, more stable home for my family. This goal is more than just shelter; it’s about giving us the security and peace of mind we’ve long needed." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to grow my livestock by purchasing more goats through my monthly savings. Right now, I have one goat and one cow, but expanding my herd will secure a better future for my family. I’ve already started saving $10 per month through a merry-go-round group, and I’m committed to continuing this until I can afford to buy more goats. With a larger herd, I’ll have more resources to provide for my family’s needs and create long-term stability for us. This plan gives me hope and a clear path forward." (Country: Kenya)

"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to buy more goats to secure my family's future, especially when it comes to my children's education. Goats are a valuable asset that can provide stability, and I believe that by steadily saving at least $10 every month, I can grow my herd. This investment will ensure that when school fees come up, I have the means to support my children without financial strain. By focusing on building this asset, I am setting a foundation for their future and ours as a family." (Country: Kenya)